9 Speed to 10 Speed Conversion
11-06-14, 03:18 PM
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9 Speed to 10 Speed Conversion
Hi, I can buy a 10 speed crankset for a cheap price but I currently run a 9 speed cassette. I have a 2012 Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc, would I be able to put a 10 speed cassette on it and install the 10 speed crankset if I were to buy it and not encounter no problems? If not is there a way I can run a 10 speed crankset with a 9 speed cassette somehow? Thanks 
11-06-14, 05:11 PM
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If you change to a 10spd cassette,you'll need a 10spd shifter as well. If you're just looking to upgrade to a nicer crankset,then you'll save yourself alot of trouble just finding a 9spd one.
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11-06-14, 05:44 PM
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What has changed is the pull ratio on the rear derailleur (Dyna-sys), if you were looking to add a 10 speed cassette, you would need a 10 speed RD.
If you are just changing the crank, this will work with 9 or 10 speed chain/cassette, so no need to do the rest of the drivetrain initially.
11-06-14, 06:22 PM
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9 and 10-speed cranks are so similar that a 10-speed crank will work pretty well with a 9-speed cassette and chain. At the absolute worst, you may want to use a 10-speed chain and that will work with a 9-speed cassette with absolutely no difficulty.
11-07-14, 05:54 AM
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a77impala
The only advantage in going to ten speed is you will get to spend more money on chains! IMO, ten speed is over rated, stay with nine.
11-07-14, 05:57 AM
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Why? having used 10 speed for the last 7-8 year on and off road, there's no difference in the wear between 10 and 9 speed, just hearsay and rumor that there is. The advantage that 10 speed does give is the ability (on an MTB) is to have wider ratios with less jumps in-between.
11-07-14, 06:07 AM
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Mechanic/Tourist
If there's something wrong with your current crankset then buy the 10 speed one, but there's no reason to change the whole drive train to 10 speed.
Last edited by cny-bikeman; 11-07-14 at 07:11 AM.
11-07-14, 06:11 AM
#9
a77impala
Why? having used 10 speed for the last 7-8 year on and off road, there's no difference in the wear between 10 and 9 speed, just hearsay and rumor that there is. The advantage that 10 speed does give is the ability (on an MTB) is to have wider ratios with less jumps in-between.
You notice I said IMO! I don't see the advantage, not an off road enthusiast, my gravel bikes are seven spd.
11-07-14, 06:39 AM
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In summary, if you need a crank and the one you can get a deal on is 10 speed, it will work fine with your 9 speed drivetrain.
11-07-14, 08:48 AM
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I had unacceptable chain rub in the last several cogs (allowing no overlap between rings with a tight cassette) until I shimmed my FSA "9 and 10 speed compatible" Carbon Pro Compact crankset out to 9 speed spacing.
LeTour makes 0.6mm spacers specifically for this purpose.
LeTour makes 0.6mm spacers specifically for this purpose.
11-07-14, 05:56 PM
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Not my experience. I was getting a year out of chains on my 9spd commuter,8,maybe 9 months out of 10spd. And the 9spd bike got ridden through winter road salt. Also had to replace a 10spd chain once because it got a twist in it. Never had to do that with any other chain.
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